Red alert: 400,000 farm animals killed because of bird flu!

Red alert: 400,000 farm animals killed because of bird flu!

Bird flu is currently spreading alarmingly in Germany and is causing great concern for poultry farmers. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) warns of a high risk of migratory birds dying en masse. According to the Radio RST Around 400,000 farm animals, mostly chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys, have already had to be killed on numerous farms. This is in a desperate attempt to contain the spread of the highly contagious H5N1 virus. The federal states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Brandenburg are particularly affected, where the losses are particularly drastic.

In the Märkisch-Oderland district in Brandenburg, for example, 130,000 animals were culled, and in Western Pomerania almost 150,000 laying hens died. Across Germany, the wave of infections started earlier than usual this year, and 50 cases of infection in poultry farms have already been registered, 26 of which were in October alone. The South German newspaper reports that bird flu spreads throughout the country all year round, but particularly increases with the autumn migration of birds.

Demands for better protective measures

Poultry farmers are frustrated and are demanding stronger protective measures to secure stocks. Georg Heitlinger from the Baden-Württemberg State Association of the Poultry Industry is clearly in favor of a nationwide stable requirement, which prescribes the keeping of usable animals in closed stables. The pressure is growing as the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG) is also warning of possible supply bottlenecks for eggs and poultry meat.

The economic impact is enormous for the companies affected. Loud daily news There are fears that prices for poultry products in stores could rise. Especially in view of the upcoming St. Martin's Day on November 11th, which traditionally marks the start of the slaughter season for geese, the pressure on the markets could increase further, as many of the animals are imported from abroad and domestic production is severely limited.

Hygiene and precautions

The situation remains tense and the FLI recently raised the risk assessment to high. Animal owners are therefore asked to strictly adhere to comprehensive hygiene measures. The danger of the virus can arise not only through direct contact with infected birds, but also through footwear and equipment. Additionally, scavengers such as crows and birds of prey can spread the disease, further complicating the situation.

At this critical time, the authorities are required to take adequate measures to contain bird flu. Another cause for concern is the fact that the increasing number of infections in recent years is challenging the German agricultural system without precedent. While politicians are discussing vaccination strategies and adjustments to animal disease law, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether a nationwide stable requirement will be implemented decisively.

While farmers worry about their stocks, consumers hope that markets will remain stable and prices will not rise disproportionately.